Botswana swimmers take the plunge

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Wednesday August 13, 2008 00:00

 

BEIJING: The first ever Batswana swimmers to take part in the Olympics take to the water tomorrow and Friday hoping for a memorable debut. John Kamyuka will take the first dip tomorrow while Samantha Paxinos makes the plunge on Friday. Their coach, La Goange Allison told Mmegi Sport that her charges are training very hard for the crucial battle. She revealed that as much as they are anxious, they are excited and looking forward to hoisting the nation's flag high.

She however said that since the two young swimmers will be making their debut at the Olympics, their main aim is to get experience and exposure. Allison said she is impressed with standards at this year's Olympics. 'The standards are excellent and athletes break records even in the heats,' she said. While Kamyuku will be competing in the men's 60m freestyle, Paxinos will be competing in the women's 50m freestyle. Allison urged supporters back home to keep supporting the team adding that her charges will do their best.

Besides 400m runner Amantle Montsho, Paxinos is the only other woman representing Botswana at the Olympics. The swimmer led the team into the field during athletes' parade at the opening ceremony last Friday. She was the flag bearer at the head of a 12-team contingent of eight athletes, two boxers and two swimmers. Paxinos participated at the 2007 All Africa Games in Algiers and the Sub-Sahara Championships in Malawi this year. She together with Kamyuku were initially left out of the team to Beijing but later got reinstated through the wild card.